Johns Hopkins University Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Alyssa from Grand Blanc, MI

08/07/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

69 out of 70 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Great for students who don't mind putting in study time, and like to learn a lot. Especially those who are self motivated and driven as well as focused, and enjoy a competitive environment. Also for those who are willing to get involved. Many here have a clear idea for what they want to do with their future, but you don't have to be like that and there are many opportunities to change your mind and explore other areas as well.

Tips for prospective students

Have a balance and don't blow off your studies, but makes sure to make time for socializing and friends. It will be difficult but if you stay on top of your work then there should be few problems. Join groups on campus, they help you meet others and to get involved in the surrounding community as well as on campus, there is something for everyone. Have fun, there is lots to do. Don't worry about competition, it is competitive but not to the point of sabotage and there are plenty of places to get help if you need it, so if you need help don't hesitate, get it, and your peers are also willing to help you do your best, although competitive, others are always there to encourage you as well.

Bang for the buck

It is rather expensive but considering the opportunities available and all that there is to do on and off campus, as well as the high quality of most of the classes it is worth the cost.

Am enjoying being here

Although the environment is competitive, most people here are very friendly and the smaller community makes it relatively easy to become close knit with individuals from all over the nation and the world.

Am learning a lot

All of the classes are full of material and even the intro classes go above and beyond what one would have learned in high school, and even in an AP class.

Caroline from Newton, MA

12/18/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

36 out of 36 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Hopkins would be great for those students who are self-motivated and proactive. The school has a ton of resources available for use- you just need to be willing to reach out for them. Not much is done for you, so as long as you can speak up and ask for help, you will be able to access the wide range of opportunities open to you. Join groups, participate in events, and Hopkins will really feel like the right fit. Those who are open-minded intellectually and socially would really enjoy the school, for coming in with expectations only sets one up to be blind to outstanding possibilities. Also, Hopkins really caters to those students who are curious and ask questions, since the college supports an attitude of exploration and genuine interest.

Tips for prospective students

1. Balance! The workload can be overwhelming at times, but don't let that stop you from staying social. Take advantage of the events on and off campus- there are shows, performances, dinners, and other activities. Just be smart about where and how you have fun. Use your common sense, stay in groups, and don’t make rash decisions. 2. Get involved early- figure out what the school has to offer and find things you are interested in. Just beware not to overload- you have four years to try things out. 3. Don't skip classes (or sleep through them). There are many professors here who are extremely enthusiastic about what they teach and a lot of material is covered in lecture. Some professors post their lectures online, but in class, they often go beyond what’s on the slides. Cramming the night before a test might work for some tests in some classes, but in general, because there is so much material covered, it would behoove you to pay attention in class and study over time. 4. Don't take covered grades first semester as an excuse to slack off, but don't stress too much either. Use that time to test out different study habits and find out what works and doesn't work so that when second semester rolls around, you will have a better grasp on how to succeed. 5. USE YOUR RESOURCES. They are there for your use! The teachers, TAs, and staff are available for questions as well as suggestions. If you need or want anything, use a resource to help you find it or get it done.

Bang for the buck

College in general is not a cheap investment, and unfortunately, Hopkins is not an exception. But nevertheless, it is an important investment, and Hopkins is definitely a good place to put your money towards. The little fees you have to pay here and there after coming can be annoying at times (for lab manuals and goggles etc), but the resources and opportunities offered can’t be matched. If you want internships or jobs, Hopkins is the place to find them. There are so many informed staff (in the Career center, advising office, even your teachers) that can help you search and apply. The cost is high, but definitely worth it.

Am enjoying being here

The first few weeks of college are always tough, being away from home and left on your own, but the closeness of the Hopkins community makes it much easier to adjust. All the staff and students are extremely responsive and willing to answer questions. Also, the freshman class becomes pretty tight-knit since everyone eats together, has some classes together, and not to mention, lives together. In terms of activities, because the campus is relatively small, it’s not hard to find things to do or groups to join. There are cultural groups, common interest groups, musical groups, you name it. The Hopkins campus is extremely safe as well, but even if you do decide to go off campus, Inner Harbor has concerts, movies to watch, places to eat, and events to attend. Towson has a shopping mall, restaurants, and lots of little stores. You can also go to Fells Point for frozen yogurt or really delicious gelato!

Am learning a lot

Johns Hopkins does have a reputation for being academically rigorous, but the school is not as cut-throat as many put it out to be. This being said, you still have to put in effort in order to perform well. Some classes are easier than others, so as long as you prioritize and focus your energy in the right areas, you will be more satisfied with the results. The professors really are experts at what they teach and they are willing to help if you ask for it. Many of them do research too so they can make textbook material (which they may have even written!) much more applicable to modern-day life. Of course there will be those sections or labs that seem useless at the moment, but usually you’ll be able to find a connection between the material in those classes and the lectures later on. Everything is valuable so take advantage of it. Oh, and PS. You don't have to pull all-nighters (ever) to do well at Hopkins. There is plenty of time outside classes, if organized well, to get everything done and also be able to have fun.

Close knit! And the three date parties/formal a semester held by each of the greek organizations always means a good time on a random weekday night.

Clubs and Activities

Your cup will runeth over with endless professional opportunities. There are also a huge variety of club sports, ranging from the normal to the bizarre (e.g. Quidditch).

Great for these types of students

Freakishly intelligent, and looking for an academic experience like none other.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The rooftops are an amazing place to stargaze, people watch, and drink heavily. Also, the annual Spring Fair is always filled with delicious fair food, and a weekend of partying in the beer garden.

Bang for the buck

Expensive, but it's worth the experience you'll get when your here, and the prestige tied to the name when you graduate.

What to do for fun

Baltimore has great restaurants! The campus is also beautiful, and lounging around outside is the best.

Food and Dining

The food is actually really good. The variety, however, is not. There are great off campus choices that are in walking distances that are very popular.

Dorm Life

The AMRs are the most social, with hall parties and endless fun!

Academic Rigor

What you hear is true. It's difficult, to say the least!

Tips for prospective students

Be yourself. It's so diverse here, you will find people you mesh with!

In three sentences

Although painstakingly hard academically, the people you meet and the moments you have make up for all the long nights spent studying. You don't find opportunities; the opportunities find you when you're a student at Hopkins. It's a place like no other.

Alison from Berwyn, IL

Type A personalities. People who enjoy studying, thrive in a competitive environment, and have pretty clear goals for the near future.

Tips for prospective students

Get active in campus activities fast. Join a club, find a service project that interests you, join a lab. Try to make yourself known to your professors, it can be hard in the larger classes, but it is important. Don't lock yourself in the library 24-7. it is easy to do, but usually only results in incredibly high stress levels

Bang for the buck

Pretty expensive, but if you do well here it will open up incredible opportunities for you in the future. And the alumni network will be very valuable to you.

Am enjoying being here

Social activities at Hopkins are pretty much limited to Athletics, clubs and study groups. But if you are active socially you will find that the people are very fun and you will make great friends. The work is hard, but very rewarding, and there are a lot of oopportunities to participate in research.

Am learning a lot

Even the intro classes that everyone takes are very intense. Once you reach the higher level courses you cover large amount of info on a very specific topic over a relatively short period of time.

1. Stay open-minded. Many students come in with their college years mapped out and a specific career in mind. Take the time to explore your interests and other fields of study too. Make sure that what you had in mind is really what you want. Some of the best experiences come from doing something that is not characteristic of your interests. 2. Stay Balanced. Don't get stuck in the library all day. Don't party every night either. JHU (and most colleges) has credit caps that limit your time in the classroom and give you a lot of free time. The infamous college all-nighters are unnecessary!! Just make sure to manage you time well --set aside study time, but also have fun. 3. Ask for help. The best students (both in college and high school) are the ones who know they are struggling and get the help they need early. JHU has so many great resources, from group tutoring to study counseling that any student can use for their benefit. 4. Use covered grades correctly. JHU has a nice system for the first semester of freshman year where letter grades that are a C- or above are marked as Satisfactory on a student's transcript, while a D+ or below is marked as Unsatisfactory, and the GPA for the first semester does not count in a student's cumulative GPA. This is not a time to slack, nor is it a time to worry about the bad grade on an exam. It is a time to adjust, establish a daily routine, and learn what study habits work best for you. Also, use this time to take a class that you would have never taken otherwise in fear that you might not be good at the subject. This system encourages you to experiment and makes room for any rookie mistakes. Use it wisely!

Bang for the buck

Frankly, JHU is expensive. But if you make the most of it --use all of the resources, talk to professors, and look past Baltimore's bad reputation (Hopkins is in a great area of Baltimore!)-- you will get your money's worth.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is absolutely beautiful and convenient --everything on campus is within a 10-minute walk. The programs at JHU are very well rounded and allow me to explore my interests, both relevant and irrelevant to my major. Although my major is in the natural sciences, the flexibility of my program allows me to take humanities classes such as Expository Writing and Latin Poetry, which have grown to be a couple of my favorite classes. Socially, the students are all very well rounded and it is easy to get active on campus. I feel capable of taking on a full course load and joining a couple clubs while participating in a varsity sport. Greek life and parties are a part of the social scene, but it does not dominate the atmosphere here.

Am learning a lot

Going to college is a huge learning experience in itself. Johns Hopkins makes learning inevitable and very autonomous, but at the same time an inspiring experience. As a very pre-professional school, full of pre-meds and aspiring engineers, JHU puts the information it gives its students in perspective to a true career while still allowing students to pursue their passions that aren't exactly practical occupations. For instance, JHU allows all its undergraduates to take private music lessons at the Peabody Institute. JHU is academically challenging, but with hard work, it is very manageable.

Marysol from Dundalk, MD

11/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Like I said, it is a city, so it's dangerous to walk around with no one. They dedicate an entire, mandatory morning to safety on campus, which I feel is important. One thing is that there are security guards everywhere. I was walking home from work (not late, but not early) and I didn't feel entirely safe until I saw the bright-yellow jacket. Those people know what they're doing. We also have many, many cameras that can detect suspicious activity and will send security or a police officer to the premises. One last and important safety tip is that we have these blue emergency lines. There are poles with a blue light on the top. If you don't feel safe or comfortable in any sort of way, you can press the button and a security guard will come to walk you back to your building. The buildings are very secure too. You need to swipe in to get into any residence hall and there are security guards who make sure no one sneaks in as well. Overall, I'm pleased with the amount of security and steps the school takes in order to increase campus safety.

Greek Life

Your best bet is Pi Kappa, but I would also check out Sigma Chi (personally, I like AE Pi the best). Just text an upperclassmen and they'll tell you where the parties are. I'm not a huge fan of the Greek Life, but one thing that I do like is that they sponsor really cool activities. They had a Luau once sponsored by Sigma Chi, and because of how good the food was, we decided to go to their party that night. I would also go with people who know where to go and what they're doing. Otherwise, it won't be fun.

Clubs and Activities

I joined this really cool club called MEDLIFE, because I'm pre-med and I really like travelling (so this club has two). The clubs and organizations are SO much fun. The religious groups are actually very active and this ranges from Christians, to Muslims, to Jewish people. There are plenty of pre-health clubs but also regular volunteering groups, like the Red Cross. Then of course, there are the sports, which are really fun. Although they're not the official teams, people know there is a lot less at stake so they don't take it as seriously. They are fun to watch. Another cool thing is you can get a gym membership and do things like Zumba (which sounds weird but it's a lot of fun!) There are cultural groups out there too like Organizacion Latina Estudiantil (OLE), which is AWESOME. The other night, we had a dance party and it was all latin dancing. Even white kids, who didn't know how to dance salsa or merengue, got on the floor and had a good time. It was wonderful.

Great for these types of students

Hard workers, but also, people who are willing to have a good time. Down-to-earth individuals. You don't have to think you're all that and a bag of chips because you probably will meet people who are WAY smarter than you. And that's just something you have to be willing to accept.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

People have tried to get up to the Gilman Bell Tower, yet I haven't heard of a successful story yet. One unusual thing about our school is that we celebrate our Homecoming during the spring. Why, do you ask? Well, our lacrosse team is D1, and one of the best in the nation. Whereas our football team is still very good! (I have a few football buddies) But, not as good as the lacrosse team. With that being said, our school spirit knows no bounds when it comes to our lacrosse Homecoming game. We get into it. Another thing that freshman do during Orientation is the Dorms Wars. We won this year (: It's legitimately a lot of fun. Music is blasting, people are playing relay games, and it feels like you're back in elementary school on Field Day.

Bang for the buck

The thing about Hopkins is that if they accept you there, you were chosen for a reason. Therefore, they WANT you to be there. The sticker price is $60,000, but in reality, not everyone pays the full price. They will provide you with scholarships, grants, and student loans that don't accrue interest while in school. You definitely get the bang for your buck, IF you use your resources wisely. Like I said, there are many upperclassmen who are willing to help, but you have to reach out to them. You can enjoy fancy-eating but if you do that too much, you'll be spending WAY more than you need to, on food.

What to do for fun

The first week, I remember I spent most of my time ON campus. The place is a decent size, but you always discover new things on the walk. We also have activities every day. ResLife makes sure that they keep up busy, but in the best way possible. Just to name a few activities, we had Celebrity Poker, Condom Bingo, TV Show Marathons with Pumpkin Pie, and many more! If you're not into the school-activity spirit, there are always frats that have parties on the weekends. If partying isn't your thing, there are always stores and places you can check out. Just a hop, skip, and a bus ride away, there's the Inner Harbor. It's one of the most touristy places in Baltimore, and it's really nice. There you can check out the Baltimore Aquarium, or the Science Museum, or a brand-new Ripley's Believe It Or Not. There are SO many things. You can also take the college shuttle (just a free bus for college students) to the Towson Town Mall. A very nice mall with 4 floors and a variety of stores and restaurants. You can even walk out by the plaza across the street, which has a hidden, Indie Store (complete with records and old-school CDs) and a Smoothie King! Just be sure never to go to these places alone. ALWAYS, have at least one other person with you. You will be living in the city.

Food and Dining

Here's where I start getting picky. I love my school, and I'm grateful for the meal plans, but the food they provide is generally... well, not the best quality. I ate their eggs for breakfast and I felt sick afterwards. The bread is stale. Always. The one good thing about our cafe is the Home-Style food they have. Hearty mashed potatoes, green beans, and sometimes exotic dishes; those are your best bet. Either that or the pizza. The pizza is pretty popular too. Those aren't your only choices though. Being in a city, there are MANY restaurants around the campus including Subway, a Ledo's pizza, Chipotle, a Starbucks, a Korean place, and many, many cafes.

Dorm Life

I live in a single (yes! A freshman in a single, those are a rare breed.) And I absolutely love it. Most people opt for roommates because they like having someone to share a room with, which I completely understand. Sometimes, your roommate ends up being your best friend. The building I live in is suite-style so I share a bathroom with two other girls. Those girls are roommates and they barely talk. However, my guy friend has a roommate and they do everything together. The thing with Hopkins is that it's very luck-of-the-draw. The buildings are nice. Well-kept. CLEAN, but you also need to put in effort into keeping your room nice. As for the social aspect, the people are awesome. You can generally just walk into someone's room and just start talking to them. It's really awesome and everyone is very open.

Academic Rigor

It's a lot of work, but it will only pile up if you LET it pile up. Just like in high school, you're going to get homework and assignments, but they will be weeklong assignments. With that being said, there is a reason why they give you a week to do it. The worst thing you can do is ignore it until the night before, because chances are, it's a lot more than a night's worth of work. Keep that in mind. Also, take classes that will ease you into the school. Taking all upper-level classes probably won't be the best thing to do.

Tips for prospective students

Apply Early Decision! This shows commitment and a great want to attend their school. Just remember you are legally bonded to the school, if they accept you (and provide you with enough financial aid). You should also visit the school. Get the feel for the classes (attend a few lectures!) and sit down and talk to students. Walk into the Brody Learning Commons and just ask a few people how they like it there.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins University has truly brought together the ideal three characteristics of a school, in my perspective. The atmosphere is challenging but the people are willing to help. The education is top-notch, yet one must work for the desires grades, and there is a great deal of help from upperclassmen that I doubt is found at any other school.

Samantha from Leavenworth, KS

05/16/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 9 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

I worked full-time as an undergraduate student, but due to the course load I've cut back to working about 30 hrs a week. Like other reviewers, a student needs to find a good balance between work and school. One needs to have a clear schedule set aside for school work. It definitely helps to be organized and know what you can and cannot handle in your schedule.

Bang for the buck

JHU is very expensive compared to graduate programs in my area. Although I'll rack up more student debt, I know JHU is worth every penny. I'm working with professors who currently work in the field I'm interested in, I have an excellent advisor relationship whether online or on campus, and I'm learning and retaining more information than any other academic program.

Am enjoying being here

I didn't plan on going to graduate school right after I earned my undergraduate degree, but with today's economy I figured its a good time to continue my education. I was interested in applying for JHU, Yale and Cornell's programs, but ultimately JHU's program (including online coursework) fit well with my schedule and life. Although I would recommend applying for more than one school (backup options!!), I ended up ONLY applying for JHU and I am very grateful and still super excited that I'm in the program of my dreams. I feel like I'm in a close-knit and diverse family.

Am learning a lot

I just finished my first semester of graduate school at JHU. Although I was expecting JHU to be difficult (and it was), I found that my first semester went very well. My advisor, fellow students and professors were very welcoming and walked me through the online class format. I've always been an overachiever and get my assignments done as early as possible, but here at JHU I found that even I needed to focus more on my studies than before. Although I've had to devote more time to studying, I did not feel like I had to pull an all-nighter like I did as an undergrad.

KC from New York, NY

06/27/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 9 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Johns Hopkins is great for students who are driven enough to challenge themselves, and to follow through with these challenges. The ideal Hopkins student is involved in academics, extracurriculars, and community service. You don't have to be an inspiring doctor or engineer to feel comfortable at this university. Being a lacrosse fan is a big plus, however (go Blue Jays!)

Tips for prospective students

1. Don't limit yourself when it comes to choosing classes. Use your freshman year to take courses in diverse subjects; not only will this help you explore other career options, but doing so will help you fulfill Hopkins' distribution requirements. 2. Don't take advantage of the fact that grades are covered first semester. Instead, use this time to determine what study methods work for you. In this way, you will have them down-packed by second semester, when grades really do count. 3. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; explore extracurriculars and schedule downtime so you're not completely bogged down by your work. Hopkins has tons of clubs and pubs (publications) that let you have fun and meet new people. Be sure to visit the Student Activities Fairs to explore your options. 4. Be safe. Although Hopkins has excellent security, Baltimore can be a dangerous place, so you have to act responsibly. Participate in the Security Walk at the beginning of the year to learn how to stay safe.

Bang for the buck

An education at Johns Hopkins is not cheap. However, the school has a rightful reputation for meeting most financial need. Moreover, resources are readily available for finding alternative methods to finance one's tuition, including loans, grants, and scholarships.

Am enjoying being here

I have to admit it took a while for me to get adjusted to life outside of the bustling city of New York. However, the atmosphere at Hopkins is so laid back that it provides a refreshing contrast that makes it a lot easier for me to stay focused. The academic environment isn't nearly as competitive as I expected it to be, and most students are rather friendly. As a Black/West Indian student, I have become proud of the tight knit Black community at Hopkins, albeit a small one.

Am learning a lot

Many of Hopkins' courses provide tons of information about the material. I know of many professors that teach above and beyond what is available in required readings, and I have learned to think about things from different perspectives.

Anonymous

If you like research and smaller schools while still being a part of a city, then this is a good place for you.

Tips for prospective students

Learn how to time manage and allot time to having fun as well as studying. Be open and try to get to know as many people as you can, including professors.

Bang for the buck

It's extremely expensive (you can go to a state school for as much as it costs to go here almost in 1 year) but the education and potential connections you can make, along with the Hopkins prestige, is probably worth it for the people and the types of jobs they would go into if they are planning on coming here in the first place. That's why I chose to attend versus going to University of Texas at Austin.

Am enjoying being here

The social life gets ragged on a lot, but that's because people here are busy and they take work seriously and it is a smaller school. So don't come here expecting to attend giant greek parties in mansions or the school to put on raves. However, the people are awesome and you must join groups as you would in any place to really have fun. Also, Baltimore is a great foodie town.

Am learning a lot

The curriculum offered at Johns Hopkins University is excellent no matter what major you choose to pursue. The professors are generally approachable and they know their stuff, though some of the mathematics profs might not be able to speak english. There are so many research opportunities and the Medical school is just down the road, so you will learn a lot if you want to.

Food is pretty good on campus, and all around campus, there are plenty of places to grab and go get food :)

Dorm Life

Dorms are safe, and well-organized. The security is good, and there are lots of places to hang out in the dorm building. We're actually ranked as having the top ten best dorms in the country, and I agree with the rating!

Academic Rigor

Tough classes, but the curves are pretty good, and the grades always reflect the effort you've put into the class. The professors are great, and are always doing their best to give high grades to everyone.

Tips for prospective students

You get the first semester as PASS or FAIL... so no official grades! This gives you time to adjust, explore different events and activities, and simply enjoy college life. However, you need to be prepared to do your own work, and do your best :)

In three sentences

It's amazing, fabulous, awesome, and friendly. A bit competitive, but the people are all friendly, and it's so easy to adjust to. Campus is small and cozy, and the library is your best friend :)

Michelle from Sandy, UT

07/16/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

This school is great if you know you can put in the extra hours during the week (sometimes weekends!) to get the grade you deserve. I would not recommend this to anyone who won't accept anything less than an A- just because you were top of your class in high school doesn't mean anything here, because everyone else was too!

Tips for prospective students

Get ready to work your butt off here! It's definitely challenging, and will get you where you want to go, but you have to be willing to put a LOT of effort into ti.

Bang for the buck

Let's face it. Hopkins is EXPENSIVE. But you're paying for a quality education and more opportunities than you can imagine (especially for pre-meds) within a week of arriving on campus I was already lined up as a research assistant at the hospital! Plus the school is really great with financial aid, and will always take appeals into consideration

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely love it! Sure a lot of my time is focused on studying for classes and I don't get out on the weekdays like some of my friends from high school, but I make up for it with all the fun I have on the weekends!

Am learning a lot

Classes at Hopkins will go beyond anything high school ever was, be prepared to spend lots of time in the library, but don't worry studying is one of the best ways to make friends!

If you want to do something meaningful with your life, it's not free and it sure is not easy. Come in with an open mind; everyone eventually finds their place.

Bang for the buck

Are you kidding? This place is so expensive, you better get some scholarships or grants. If you're worried about costs, why are you even considering private school? You might not end up exactly getting what you pay for, but you do get a diploma from Hopkins. Regardless of how you view the quality of the education you're receiving, everyone's going to know you're getting a degree from Hopkins. Trust me. That can make all the difference.

Am enjoying being here

The school is nice, but the city's old and tainted. If you've seen The Wire, it's not much different. You have to be strong and independent, otherwise, the city will swallow you whole. If you're not from the East Coast, go somewhere else. If you're looking to party, go somewhere else. If you're looking to sacrifice your social life for a few years to make something of yourself, come to Baltimore. This city will roughen you up quick.

Am learning a lot

The Johns Hopkins education is what you make of it. If you're lazy and not too interested in learning, don't expect the research-oriented professors to care the least bit for you. Buy your books, lock yourself up, and learn something. When you're out in the real world working for GE, you can think to yourself and be like, hmm.. I actually learned something in school.

Athie from Lexington, KY

06/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus is extremely safe. Hop Cops are all around, but they are not intrusive or overbearing to students. They are kind and often friendly, and just want to make sure everyone is safe. Hopkins is a closed campus (though it's in a city, it is not itself an urban campus), which is great for a lot of reasons, the increased safety being one of them. I feel comfortable walking around campus in the wee hours of morning, which is really great for a college student. Whether it's a late night library cram session, a raging frat party, or just a late night walk around a beautiful campus, feeling safe on campus is really important.

Greek Life

Greek Life has a presence on campus, and is getting larger and more organized, but it doesn't overwhelm the social life of the campus. Traditionally, Hopkins has been about 25% Greek, and this past year was near 30%. There are four active sororities, and many fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

There are tons of activities on campus. The Debate Team is exceptional, though hard to make. The Model UN organization is very large and organized on campus, and has something for everyone, regardless of discipline. There are lots of pre-professional organizations to help those who have specific plans for after graduation. Ethnic and cultural organizations galore, and much much more! Hopkins Groups is a good website where you can browse through every registered organization at JHU. There is pretty much something for everyone, though it's true that many organizations suffer from lack of funding.

Great for these types of students

People who are smart, hard-working, ambitious, somewhat competitive, and know what they want to study. Especially good for people interested in International Studies (top 3 in the country!) , Writing seminars (2nd in the country!), most of the sciences (tons of research opportunities!), and engineering (Biomedical engineering is 1st in the country). There are lots of other good programs as well, but the aforementioned are especially well-known.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The front lawn is called The Beach, and when it's warm out lots of students flock there to lay out and relax, read a book, study, sun tan, and just enjoy time with friends. It's called the beach because the flow of traffic in front of it sounds a bit like a roaring ocean!

Bang for the buck

I am at Hopkins on scholarship, so my bang for the buck is especially high. However, considering the full ticket price that most students pay, I would say that Hopkins is worth the money as far as the superficial amenities are concerned, like a beautiful campus, lovely landscaping, etc., but not worth the education that most receive. The amount of professor/student interaction is relatively low, since most professors are concerned with their own research. A surprising number of classes are mainly graded by TA's, so they are the ones you interact with the most. For many people, that can be disappointing. However, I feel the degree that Hopkins students leave with is rewarding enough in the long-run financially that the tuition cost is worth it.

What to do for fun

There are lots of frat parties, dorm parties, and local bars (you'll learn which ones don't ask for ID) that anyone can go to for a wild time, regardless of drinking habits or lack thereof. For a more tame activity, check out an a capella concert. But make sure to get there early, because they are Always packed! There are also lots of planned activities every week that programming groups (like The HOP) put on. Some examples that come to mind are a giant water balloon fight on the beach, glow in the dark mini golf, and an indoor carnival. But most exciting is Spring Fair! It is absolutely a blast. Tons of food trucks come and park on the freshman lawn. In one day I had two funnel cakes, chicken on a stick, and a deep fried candy bar. Enough said.

Food and Dining

The Fresh Food Cafe is the prime dining spot for freshman, and it's tasty and healthy, though a bit repetitive--like most dining halls tend to get. There are many options, and the all you can eat buffet style is awesome.

Dorm Life

Freshman dorm life is amazing, especially in the AMR's. The lack of air conditioning seems daunting, but it's truly not a big deal when all of your friends are together sitting in the hallway with tons of big fans all around. Halls becomes like family in the freshman dorms.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is a tough school, there are very few who dispute that. This being said, the reputation of the rigorous courses and sometimes harsh grading can go a long way in applying to grad schools and in job interviews. People familiar with colleges know that Hopkins kids work hard and earn the good grades they get--so the work pays off. Most grading tends to be pretty fair, though TA's are sometimes harsh or arbitrary in grading. Typically though, grades reflect effort.

Tips for prospective students

Hopkins is a school with a number of truly outstanding programs, but if you are not studying in one of those programs, the academic experience can be lacking. Most students here know what they want to study and eventually do with their lives from the get-go, so if you are unsure or seeking a more general liberal arts education with lots of required core classes, you may want to look elsewhere. The Hopkins admissions office is full of great people willing to answer questions and be candid with you, so seek them out! It's also a well-kept secret that Hopkins actually offers merit scholarship, specifically the Hodson Trust Scholarship.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins is not a place for those who want their education handed to them. Everything you could want out of an undergraduate experience exists at Hopkins--but you have to work to find it, and you may not get abundant help along the way. Hopkins is a place where people are serious and ambitious about their education, and though the workload is sometimes grueling it is ultimately highly rewarding for most.

Payton from Ada, MI

07/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus safety was one of the first things that really impressed me about Johns Hopkins. A campus police officer is always within eyesight at any time of day or night. The blue light emergency system also makes students feel safe. These posts have a blue light at the top and a big, red emergency button that, when pressed, notifies police immediately. On-campus housing also has a very impressive security system. Guests are closely monitored and must be signed in and out every time they visit the dorm buildings. Student ID cards must be used to enter the housing area and also to enter the building itself. Each student (and his/her roommate) has a unique key for their dorm room.

Bang for the buck

Johns Hopkins is undoubtedly a very expensive option for undergraduate education. Unfortunately the professors are very focused on the research that they are hired to do, and not nearly as focused on the teaching that they have also been asked to do. Students ultimately end up working together to teach themselves the material. Students pay a hefty tuition price solely for the Johns Hopkins name.

What to do for fun

Johns Hopkins is home to students with a wide range of interests. Fortunately there is something to do for everyone. For the more social students, Hopkins offers Greek Life and several local malls, clubs, and bars. For the artsy students there is access to many museums and festivals. Hopkins has something to offer for each student's interests.

Food and Dining

The Fresh Food Cafe (on-campus dining hall) offers a variety of meal choices for the carnivorous or vegetarian eater. The hours of operation are extremely convenient - it's open late! Whether you're looking for an omelet at 9:00am or a late night bowl of cereal at 12:00am, the FFC always has something for everyone. Off-campus dining is below average. There are a few franchise-type restaurants within walking distance, along with a few locally-owned cafes. Much further off campus in Inner Harbor area there are many dining options, but these are not within walking distance.

Dorm Life

All freshmen dorms are on-campus in one quad. This type of communal environment really foments the foundation for new relationships. Dorms are co-ed. The freshmen dorm lifestyle was such an incredible experience.

Academic Rigor

If you're seeking a challenge then Johns Hopkins is sure to deliver. Bringing the world's top high school performers all together in one institution forces each individual to rise to his/her highest potential. Most classes are lecture-based and require each student to put in a substantial amount of time outside of class.

Tips for prospective students

Don't focus on the numbers - GPA and test scores aren't everything! When applying to a school like Johns Hopkins, most kids you're competing against for admission also have impressive grades and test scores. Focus on what sets you apart from the rest. Concentrate on your passions - sports, music, clubs, etc. Especially highlight your leadership skills and experiences within your passions. Good luck!

In three sentences

Hopkins provides students who are seeking to challenge themselves with a very competitive academic environment. Life outside the classroom is very enjoyable and offers something for everyone. Overall a very rewarding experience.

Alexandra

08/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus security does a really good job. I haven't had any issues on campus. There are sometimes alerts sent out about robbery and rape. Rape usually occurs under the circumstances where a girl gets drunk and is sexually harassed by someone she knows. That's a tad scary, so I just recommend that you drink safely or not at all. Robbery usually occurs a little off campus. Honestly, you shouldn't be out running around the streets of Baltimore at night unless you have a big group, with some guys. It sounds sexist, but I'm a girl and I'm serious, you need some guys. Baltimore is DANGEROUS. I mean, come on people, The Wire was filmed here. Just don't be stupid and you'll be safe. In terms of on campus, there are Blue Jay shuttles that can pick you up and drop you off point to point in a certain radius after 11PM and they follow a route schedule earlier in the day. If I ever feel uncomfortable in an area and I'm just with one other friend or alone, I usually get a taxi (which is easy to call or hail). I'm sure my parents would prefer a slightly expensive taxi bill versus seeing me in the news.

Greek Life

Eh, I don't participate. But, I have plenty of friends who do. It definitely isn't as active as most schools, but there are a good number and rush is pretty fun for sororities. For fraternities....rush is entertaining for the rest of us.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs can be hit or miss sometimes. Some clubs are a little unstable, but it isn't too hard to start something yourself. I personally do theatre, choir, and a community service group.

Great for these types of students

Focused/Self-Motivated (you need to seek help when you're struggling; no one is just there to hold your hand through classes), Ambitious, Quirky/Weird, Passionate, Intelligent, Resilient

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Beach- the grassy field in front of the library where everyone sits out and sunbathes, especially when the weather gets warm during the spring. Spring Fair- OMG, it's pretty fun. You just have to squeeze in time for everything. The Social Network was partially filmed here.

Bang for the buck

I mean, I am glad I came to Hopkins. I made great friends and had some AMAZING times this past year. But, the stress can take a little bit of a toll. You have to really apply yourself and prepare for the adjustment. Sometimes, I do wonder what it would be like if I went to another school where I didn't have to sell my soul for grades. But, I'm pre-med and Writing based, so I'm hoping Hopkins' reputation will make this all worth it. OH! And the cutthroat reputation that people talk about? Yeah, it's not really true. People don't compete with each other, they compete with themselves. And I bet you're rolling your eyes or just not really paying attention to that last sentence. But, I'm SERIOUS. People can get really hard on themselves and some people get really absorbed in their studies, so much that they might seem obsessive or reclusive. Yeah, we're intense. Actually, intense is an understatement. But, people also study together all the time. For some classes, group study is the only way I can actually learn and absorb the material. People are not going to rip the pages out of your textbook or try to make you fail. But, don't leave your laptop just lying about. Someone stole my computer charger the last week of exams. Not cool. Oh, and random fact that no one told me but I REALLY wish I knew. Make sure to make reservations online for rooms in the library, especially during exam week. Those rooms fill up and you won't have anywhere to study with your group. I didn't learn that for a hot second and it would have been tremendously helpful.

What to do for fun

Hmmm...there are of course the typical frat parties. But they get kind of sweaty and loud and gross. There are also house parties which tend to be more fun, in my opinion. There are also clubs and off campus parties that people attend. And you can go to some of the surrounding schools, like Towson, Morgan State, or University of Maryland CP. There's also Maxies, a local bar. If you aren't into that scene, there is Inner Harbor which is basically the downtown area. There are stores and a little mall area, restaurants, the water, boats, and the aquarium, so that's fun. And Baltimore is full of various cute neighborhoods, like Mt. Vernon, Little Italy, etc. I especially like Mt. Vernon because it's quite pretty and the Peabody conservatory is located there. My upperclassmen friends enjoy Mt. Vernon because it has an endless supply of fun gay clubs (they card, heavily). Baltimore actually has some fun stuff to do, but you just have to get out there and find it. But, it is a dangerous city so don't be stupid and giggle around downtown with your girlies alone at 1AM.

Food and Dining

You will get sick of cafeteria food, no matter where you go. But, our freshman cafeteria, FFC, is pretty alright. In fact, the freshman meal plan is so much better than upperclassmen meal plans that seniors and juniors try to sneak in all the time. I had an unlimited meal plan which is the way to go. I didn't have to worry about my number of meals if I wanted to just grab a quick coffee on the way to class or duck in for a snack break if there was a sudden rainstorm outside.

Dorm Life

Freshman dorm life is....freshman dorm life. I personally lived in suite style my first year, and I preferred that, quite frankly. I liked having a more intimate space where I only shared a bathroom with three other girls, rather than the whole floor. But, we had to clean our own bathrooms, so that was the trade off, I suppose. The dorm rooms themselves...it depends on which one you get. Some are larger than others, so just try to get your pick in early. Wolman is the upscale, rich kid dorm that is suite style with kitchenettes and bears similarities to some sophomore dorms. McCoy is suite style, and similar to Wolman. AMR I and AMR II are traditional dorm style with shared bathrooms and non-suite style bedrooms. Some walls are thin. Buildings A & B are considered the loner dorms because they are kind of isolated and suite style so they aren't as social as AMR I and AMR II. But, the rooms are pretty decently sized and they're located right above the cafeteria. Pretty convenient. Beyond sophomore year, housing is not guaranteed.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is HARD. I will not lie. This is NOT one of those schools where it's hard to get in, but once you're in, it's super easy. Sometimes, or most of the time, the amount of work is pretty heavy. But, it is do-able. Plus, grad schools and med schools know that Hopkins is rough, and if they see you make it through undergrad alive, they will believe that you can accomplish anything. :)

Tips for prospective students

I would definitely recommend that an applicant spends the night at Hopkins through at least one of the prospective student overnight programs. The best way to feel out if Hopkins is right for you is by experiencing the school for yourself. And trust me, a simple tour and information session can't quite achieve that.

In three sentences

In three sentences, Johns Hopkins is quite the nerdy school. Whether you are a pre-med dwelling in the deepest levels of Remsen Hall or a Writing Seminars major who furiously writes away the day in Gilman Hall, you have a ample amount of geek love for your area of study. However, it is that very nerdiness that can bring people together and create some of the most interesting, and strongest friendships.

Natalie

08/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus itself is ridiculously safe. I don't think I have never walked around without seeing some type of security. I walk back to my dorm from the library at all hours of the night, and I have never once felt uneasy or unsafe.

Greek Life

Greek life exists, but it's not as dominant in campus life as most other universities. Most of the undergrads aren't in sororities and fraternities.

Great for these types of students

Hopkins doesn't really have a typical student in my opinion. Most people assume it's full of competitive premed students who spend all of their time in the library. Most of the student body isn't like that: premeds are less than 20% of the total undergrads. I'm premed, and I spend a lot of time in the library, but I also have a life and participate in activities. Of course, Hopkins IS great for premeds because of all the research/shadowing opportunities, but pretty much all of its programs are among the best in the country.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The lighting of the quads takes place around the holiday season each year. Honestly, it wasn't that exciting, but there were free coffee and donuts.

Bang for the buck

JHU is pretty good with financial aid. My sister goes to our state school, and my experience with Hopkins has been much better than hers. Classes are smaller, professors actually care, advising is great, and students are overall more highly motivated.

What to do for fun

JHU is in Baltimore, so there are a lot of things students can do for fun, as well as free transportation to get there. The inner harbor is great: lots of shops, restaurants, and even a mall.

Food and Dining

All of the food on campus is very good, but there aren't as many options as some other schools. However, the area around campus has a lot of delicious food options and is very safe.

Dorm Life

For freshmen, dorm life varies. 2 of the dorms don't have air-conditioning but are very social (the AMRs). Wolman is by far the nicest, but it is also more expensive. I lived in Building A my freshman year and liked it, but it was a bit antisocial.

Academic Rigor

JHU is a very challenging school, and the students are hard working and devoted to academics. However, I have yet to experience any sense of cutthroat competition. I have found that in general, students like to work together.

Tips for prospective students

Try to visit the campus! Visiting really helps you get a feel for the school. There are also SOHOP events for prospective applicants in the fall and accepted students in the spring.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins University is academically challenging, but rewarding. Even though professors are involved in research, they are eager to help students. There are also a lot of ways to get involved in research, activities, and community service.

Go out! A lot of Hopkins students (and Peabody students) don't take the time to explore Baltimore and take a break from practicing and studying. Don't get me wrong - students know how to have fun, but most students I know are pretty studious.

Bang for the buck

I won't say Hopkins is cheap - because it isn't. At Peabody scholarships are small and hard to come by.

Am enjoying being here

Hopkins is in a great area - there's an art museum right by the main campus and Peabody is near downtown. There's shuttle service between all of the campuses so it makes navigating the downtown area pretty easy as well.

Am learning a lot

I am currently on the Peabody campus of this school. While this means I am not a full time Hopkins student, it allows me to attend any class I want on-campus (or at least classes that aren't only open to specific majors). It allows me to have a variety challenging humanities that are hard to find on a small campus like Peabody.

Kristen from Arnold, MD

Hard-working, motivated, and driven to succeed. Don't get me wrong, we party too--but we play hard AND study hard. Go Blue Jays!

Tips for prospective students

1) Definitely do a recruiting trip! I was iffy about applying until I visited, but after I came to the campus it was my number-one choice. 2) Believe it or not, it's not ALL engineering kids! There are plenty of options for others who fail at math and science like I do. In fact, my International Studies program is actually the biggest on campus--NOT the biomedical engineering (BME) program as the rumors say.

Bang for the buck

It's so expensive, but completely worth it. The amenities are great, and the professors are fantastic, down-to-earth experts in their fields--knowledgeable without going over your head!

Am enjoying being here

The campus is GORGEOUS. Everyone is super-nice and welcoming. Don't let the fact that it's in a city scare you--the campus has a very suburbian feel and a state-of-the-art security system.

Am learning a lot

I've chosen a challenging courseload in the Krieger Arts and Sciences program. I am planning to major in International Studies, one of JHU's largest and most successful programs, and minor in East Asian Studies. I plan to pursue a career in international politics or business.

Vanessa from Thousand Oaks, CA

08/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I have always felt safe going to school here in Baltimore, despite the city's bad reputation. The security system and staff on the Homewood campus assure all students of our safety. Anyone can call for help if necessary and there are even shuttles that can pick you up if you feel unsafe at night.

Bang for the buck

The cost of attendance is ridiculously high, and I'm unsure if it is worth it or not. Going to public schools with a tuition that costs a fraction of Hopkins' tuition would cause a lot less financial stress, but a degree attached to the university's reputation is very valuable too.

What to do for fun

The inner harbor is great for finding things to do on weekends. There are many restaurants and stores to shop at. In addition, Towson has a great mall that is accessible by a free college town bus system.

Food and Dining

There are many different food options on and around campus but the required meal plan is rather expensive for freshmen.

Dorm Life

I've met some of my best friends from my floor in my dorm freshman year. Making these friends and getting to know so many intelligent and diverse people was the best part of my initial college experience.

Academic Rigor

Classes might be frustrating and overwhelming at times, but it is important to remember that many of your fellow students feel the same. These challenges help to teach patience and persistence in all aspects of one's life, thereby leading to an even greater reward when such obstacles are overcome.

Tips for prospective students

Make use of all resources available to you such as your advisors, tutoring centers, and faculty. All of these resources can be immensely helpful in providing advice and guidance in whatever you may need.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins offers rigorous academics, research opportunities, and caters to a wide variety of academic interests. The smaller size of the school makes it feel like a home and connects you to the rest of your peers. There is a sense of unity among students and despite the challenges of some of the programs, everyone around you is always willing to offer help.

Anon

I would say for any university an essay that highlights unique or defining events is a great way to set oneself apart from their peers and make them more than just a bunch of 'numbers' or 'stats'.

Bang for the buck

I can't really compare, I don't know much about other university's facilities. I recently heard someone say something like if you're spending all your time on academics you'll get same things you'd get out of any university. Which is true to some degree, you get as much as you want out of it. One could read the same textbooks at any university, We have an interesting, diverse group of faculty and students who tend to do interesting things one can get involved with. That said, the school is pretty expensive. I won't know how much our reputation is really worth until I'm looking for a job.

Solomon from Baltimore, MD

***** 5 star - the overall campus safety is good. the security system is always around and alerting the students and staff of any unusual or safety issues.

Greek Life

i do not think there are nay faternities on campus.

Clubs and Activities

**** 5 star - there are many activities i.e. recitals, chamber groups, singing that students can volunteer to participate in. i have volunteered in the elder hostel program in the past.

Great for these types of students

the peabody conservatory of the johns hopkins university is a great choice for dedicated, hard-working, musicians. i love being a grad student there.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the campus is located in downtown baltimore. there are no unusual traditions.

Bang for the buck

***** 5 star rating - the peabody conservatory has a very good music library as well as the regular george peabody library. the enoch pratt free library system of baltimore is within walking distance. the teachers here are dedicated and helpful to students.

What to do for fun

there are many recitals, concerts and cultural events happening at peabody on a very routine basis. there are museums and the inner harbor close by to the campus.

Food and Dining

***** five start - i currently do not eat in the dining hall on a routine basis but when i do eat in the dining hall and food halls, the food has been very good and reasonably priced.

Dorm Life

***** five star - i am not a current dorm student there. the information from from the dorm students there say it is good. the dorms are new and modern.

Academic Rigor

***** the academic rigor is very demanding and helps the student become the best musician possible. the teachers are dedicated and helpful to the students. i enjoy coming to all the classes and lectures.

Tips for prospective students

my advice for prospective students would be prepare, prepare, prepare for whatever major you will deciding to pursue because it is a very rigorous curriculum and very high level.

In three sentences

i am attending peabody conservatory which is part of the johns hopkins university and it is a very high-level music conservatory. i am very happy to be there because i am surrounded by other dedicated musicians. i am learning more and more towards my masters degree in piano performance.

Omotola from Toms River, NJ

05/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Safety on campus is quite efficient. Emergency Blue light telephones are placed all around campus and nearby dorms in the event that something should happen, can be easily reached with the push of a button. Hopkin's Security vans are also on patrol around the campus and are especially available between the later hours of the night for students who may need a ride to and from their dormitories or apartments.

Greek Life

Hopkins has both NPHC and NPC present on its campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities to join at Hopkins, ranging from categories cultural, religious, sports, outdoor activities, dance, arts, culinary, and more! At the start of each semester, the school holds a Student's Activities Commission fair in the Ralph S. O'connor Recreational Center where hundreds of clubs and activities are presented to the student body. Anyone and everyone interested is welcome to stop by and sign up for an activity or club of their choice.

What to do for fun

The Inner Harbor is a great and nearby place for students to check out, with the attraction of shopping malls, restaurants and museums, aquariums, and more! Transportation from the Collegetown shuttle makes getting there even easier!

Food and Dining

The main places on campus to eat include Fresh Food Cafe, Levering Food Court, and Nolan's Cafe. Einstein's Bagels, located at the bottom of the Wolman Dormitory, and Charles Street Market, located next to the Subway at the junction of 33rd and St. Paul street, are also popular places to grab some breakfast or a quick snack on the go.

Dorm Life

Hopkins has nine on-campus locations available for students to live: They include AMR I-II, Building A & B, Wolman, McCoy, Charles Commons, Homewood, and Bradford Apartment. Freshman and sophomore students are required to live on-campus.

Academic Rigor

Classes are quite challenging at Hopkins, depending on your field of study will determine the competitiveness, homework load, and all around rigor. If you find yourself overwhelmed or in need of a tutor, it is advisable to attend review sessions or sign up for the Learning Den.

Tips for prospective students

Work thoroughly and to your satisfaction, do not be swayed by what others tell you because what works for some students, may not always work for you. Hopkins is a competitive school, do not underestimate or procrastinate the workload. Do not be afraid or discouraged to admit when you need help.Hopkins has many outlets and resource centers whose main goal is to help students to the best of their ability. Whether it is an academic issue or a personal issue, seek help, and it will be granted to you. Make the best of your college experience while you can, you may be surprised to find out how quickly four years pass you by.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins University has been a life changing experience since I arrived at its campus in Baltimore, Maryland in late August of 2009. Being immersed in a highly culturally integrated campus has taught me a great deal on the importance of interactivity with young individuals both alike and unlike myself. My most memorable experience thus far has been this Spring semester, as I was granted the opportunity to study abroad with the Hopkins in Madrid program, which gave me an entirely new perspective on life and how I would like to take charge in changing the society we live today.

Christina from Stockton, CA

07/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

There is plenty to do at Johns Hopkins University. The university invites popular music bands/groups (ie Far East Movement) to entertain students. There are also events hosted by student-run organizations, such as BBQs, dances, and cultural performances.

Food and Dining

The undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University have several dining halls to choose from. The Freshman Food Cafe is designed to simulate a buffet, one meal swipe and food galore! Other halls, primarily designated for upperclassman, also serve delicious food; from pizza and burgers to roast beed and mashed potatoes with fresh produce at your disposal.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at the Johns Hopkins University is full of enjoyable and memorable moments. The dormitories offer many commodities, such as common living rooms, kitchens, and game rooms. Students certainly feel much at ease within these living spaces.

Academic Rigor

The Johns Hopkins University is academically rigorous because the university wishes to produce some of the best colleagues to advance further knowledge to not only the country, but to the world.

Tips for prospective students

The Johns Hopkins University provides a competitive academic atmosphere, whilst providing fun and memorable events that contribute to the undergraduate experience.

In three sentences

The Johns Hopkins University is an academic nurturing institution, which promotes educational and research excellence. Hopkins dedicates its resources to students and faculty to enable academic success. The University's medical institution rates number one in the country once again.

Jessica from NJ

11/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus security is the best! They will help you find anything that you need. And they are always around in yellow reflective jackets and on bikes and in patrol cars so they can get to any emergency pronto.

Greek Life

Cool and the people are really nice

Clubs and Activities

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

Great for these types of students

Those who love to study hard and want to have the opportunity to party hard too (but you don't ever have to!)

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The lighting of the quad

Bang for the buck

Great education, great experience, great acceptances into graduate medical and law schools

What to do for fun

Everyday is fun at Hopkins. Classes are really interesting and fun in an academic sense. Studying and homework is always a social event as well as I chose to do homework in the Wolman common room with my floor mates. We go to dinner together for floor dinners all the time. Otherwise, particularly on the weekends, we explore Baltimore, Fells Point and Towson. Fells Point has an amazing gelato place, the harbor in Baltimore is always fun and relaxing (and great for bonding with friends), and Towson has some food that I miss from home (Cheesecake Factory's cheesecake). There are also frat parties all the time with really cool themes (highlighter parties where you wear white for the violet lights, hanger parties, household object clothes parties). My friends and I love to go to Latin Palace, a latin dance club where for $10 you get a 90 minute dance lesson and admission to the dance club for the night. The Latin Dance Palace also has really yummy Latin food.

Food and Dining

The Fresh Food Court (FFC) always has new dishes, and the salad bar and dessert table are the best! The pizza is really good, unfortunately too! The home cooked zone and grill are amazing on most days. The grilled fruits are always really good (think grilled cinnamon apples... yummy!). The breakfeast bar that is always open has fresh cut fruit, granola, yogurt, applesauce and a rotation of healthy offerings.

Dorm Life

The dorms are awesome! Freshmen- I suggest Wolman! Wolman has spacious study rooms on the ground floor and each floor has a common room, which is great for floor bonding. Even cooler, you share a kitchenette and full bathroom with only two or three other people (and the price is cheaper than a single)! There is a lot of privacy and plenty of social time. It is comfortable and supportive of academics.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor at Johns Hopkins is no less than what it is known for but it is manageable albeit at times somewhat stressful. The homework load is often known with plenty of time in advance and midterm and final plans are laid out at the beginning of the semester. A really helpful policy at Hopkins is covered grades for first semester freshmen, which gives you a full semester to adjust to college work life.

Tips for prospective students

For prospective students, I would say take a deep breath and relax! You are great and JHU is going to love you! If you are looking for a really rigorous academic program, an extremely active student body that is involved in a variety of clubs, sports, study abroads, and volunteering, and kind, helpful, want-to-get-to-know-you professors, then Hopkins is for you. I would also suggest that prospective students look into the really awesome academic help that Hopkins offers, such as covered grades for first semester freshmen, intersession (to take classes of interest and get credit at no extra cost!), the learning den (which is free small tutoring groups offered by class), the PILOT programs, and the help rooms. You will find the academic support you need here in a variety of ways so that you always have support for your academics and all the while you will be enjoying the social life with your new super fun and cool college friends!

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins is a really active and community-based campus. The students here form strong and lasting friendships that are very inclusive and supportive. The location is also prime with great and easy access into the heart of Baltimore, to Fells Point, and Towson-- all on the free Hopkins buses!

Satya from Chevy Chase, MD

01/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The school takes precautions to make sure students are safe with Hop Cops etc. but Baltimore isn't really safe as an area in general. It's not wise to go out late at night by yourself, especially if you're a girl, just don't look pretentious or vulnerable, don't be stupid, and you'lll be fine. Honestly though, nothing really ever happens. The school has tried really hard in the past years to improve the safety of students.

Greek Life

Umm... it's mostly fraternity driven since they're they only ones with houses and the only ones that throw parties. The sororities, from what I gather, all have their own stereotypes. Like Phi Mu are stereotyped to be bubbly and blonde etc. Frat houses are pretty dingy and gross though, and the first 2 months reek of alcohol and sweat (as most frats do) but they are so cramped with freshman that it becomes really unbearable. I mean the walls are literally dripping with sweat.

Clubs and Activities

There's emails that go out every single day with lists of things to do. The area is terrible, but as far as clubs and activities go - A+

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The play fair (mentioned earlier) - freshman definitely don't want to miss this! The convocation is always awesome, there's a lighting ceremony that can get pretty emotional as well.

Bang for the buck

This is not a school for everyone. Even visiting won't cut it. You have to really get a feel for it, because it is academically rigorous and it is a time commitment. A lot of the students prioritize education above anything else. Generally though, the student body is really open and friendly, and you can make some amazing friends.

What to do for fun

Students complain but during orientation you get to go to playfair where there are *tons* of activities and clubs that you can sign up for. From HERO to APTT, to dance clubs and acapella groups to martial arts. The school is small so the students always try to start new clubs and organize things to do. There are also concerts, like this year we got taken to Avicii - pretty awesome.

Food and Dining

Ugh, monotonous. I know the school is trying to change this, but this gets so boring. Especially with the cost you feel like you're being ripped off. It really becomes old after a month. They have a great dessert bar, but if you're watching your weight I suppose that won't help ;)

Dorm Life

Compared to a lot of schools, the dorms are great. McCoy got new furniture and Wolman is also nice and new too. They both have gyms (these are freshman buildings). The AMR's aren't as bad as people say - they don't have AC so the first 3 weeks are a pain, but otherwise they are well furnished and the school provides a lot for the students. You can't argue that the suites aren't awesome, cause they are. THe downside is the price though. It simply sucks.

Academic Rigor

This school will prepare you very well for the future, but professors won't spoon feed you. You need to make a concerted effort. Some say profs are too busy with their own research, but you can speak to upperclassmen and find the ones that are really passionate (of which there are many). Personally, I love Linda Gorman.

Tips for prospective students

The study hard party hard can get to some people really fast, especially freshman; I would suggest taking it easy, and not giving in going to all the frats despite feeling like you should go to fit in. I would say go explore what the rest of the city offers through volunteer activities, there's better things to do than getting drunk in sticky frats. Personally, I did this the first three weeks and got mentally tired really fast - you simply can't maintain a really popular party hard social life and a high GPA without a lot of effort. All I'm saying is take it easy and find balance.

In three sentences

The student body takes education very seriously, and is very academically oriented. I don't think it's true that it's cut throat, as in it's not as competitive as people think, but it is definitely difficult to get A's and do well if you don't put the effort in - needless to say, this prepares you all the more for grad studies. The campus is beautiful, but it feels like it's maintained just for the sake of maintaining the facade that the school is prestigious and perfect sometimes.

Simone

01/16/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Greek Life

I don't participate in Greek Life, but around a third of the students here do, and a lot of the social life (at least as an underclassmen, before you get to know people who live in apartments and therefore can throw house parties) does revolve around frat parties.

What to do for fun

Lots of campus activities, lots of free food opportunities (I live off of free food some weeks).

Tips for prospective students

Try to stand out in your college essay, and maintain good grades throughout high school.

In three sentences

There is the stereotype that everything here is all work and no play, but that is completely untrue. The work load is what you make of it - if you don't overload yourself with lots of hard classes, then the work load is more than manageable. The social life is also what you make of it - there are several parties every single night during weekends, as well as more house parties than can be counted, but there are also people who stay in the library on Friday nights to study.

CL

02/06/2014

Reviewer is A past student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Greek Life

Greek life exists, but it's not the most important thing on campus (that would be studying, in case you haven't paid attention). Greek life connected me with my best friend, who in turn helped me ace some of my classes, but I'm confident I would've had plenty of fulfilling relationships if I hadn't decided to join. There are more opportunities to party off-campus if you join a sorority, specifically - all of ours have 2-3 events per semester off campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs to choose to be active in, and they can help balance out the stress of studying! Definitely join 1-3 of them and participate fully - you need a break sometimes, and what better way to get it than by joining people who have a shared interest to you!

What to do for fun

-Hang out on the 'beach' (which is not sandy, nor does it have a body of water) -Go to the inner harbor/Fells Point/Federal Hill areas and wander around or go shopping -Go to the aquarium (it's cheaper on Fridays after 5pm during the school year) -Go to the zoo - or better yet, go to the DC zoo -Visit DC (the MARC train is now running on the weekends, take it!)

Food and Dining

Disclaimer: I haven't eaten on campus in 2 years, and haven't been to the Fresh Food Cafe (FFC) in 4. The meal plans were rather overpriced for their value, and the FFC is a pretty standard cafeteria, so food is rotated and becomes boring pretty fast. Levering Cafe has pretty good options, but it's only open during lunch. Charles Street Market (CharMar) is seriously overpriced, and usually doesn't have great quality for fruits and veggies (but there is a milkshake machine, so that's a plus). I was happy to not have a meal plan starting sophomore year, and I never went back on the meal plan once I got off of it. Packing lunch and making dinner was not very time consuming, but it was much more cost effective (and delicious).

Dorm Life

The dorms are pretty decent. For freshman year, your options are Wolman (which is 'far away' but pretty social, and the rooms have kitchenettes), the AMRs (very social, no A/C, and you share bathrooms with your hall), and Buildings A&B (antisocial, have your own bathroom within a suite but no kitchenette). If I could do it over, I would've chosen Wolman instead of Building A, since Wolman is much more social - in Building A, all the doors are fire doors so the RAs will come around and shut your suite door if it's open. For sophomore year, your options are McCoy (similar to Wolman), Charles Commons (has a kitchenette, similar to Wolman but upgraded and everyone gets their own bedroom), Bradford (older building, apartment-style rooms that have full kitchens) and Homewood (actually far away, same layout as Bradford). The perk of living in Bradford or Homewood during sophomore year is that you don't have to have a meal plan (since you have a full kitchen) - the walk to Homewood was well worth it for me, since I didn't want a meal plan at all after freshman year.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is hard to get into, and it's hard to get A's once you're in. If you are driven to get all A's in your courses, expect to spend many hours in the library/Gilman/Brody Learning Commons, because very few classes are easy. If you want B's, you'll still spend way more hours than you'd like to admit holed up in a windowless room in the library studying to get them.. There are often people in the same boat, though, so don't hesitate to reach out for help among your classmates.

Tips for prospective students

-Expect to study 2-4 hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class. -Science courses tend to be large (200-350 people), so find a good group of classmates and study with them. -Don't be afraid to go to office hours; most professors are nice (and, if they aren't, you may find kindred spirits there to help you study) -Utilize your TA's expertise, but be aware that he or she may not have taken the course for several years (and it may have been at a different college) -Use covered grades (first semester freshman year) to explore clubs and a social life, but be aware that the grades can be uncovered in certain circumstances, so don't slack off

In three sentences

JHU is a school for very driven students. Everyone works incredibly hard at their studies, and many hold leadership positions in clubs as well as also pursuing research, internships, or jobs off-campus.

The beach is a unique place to hang out. It's called the beach but it's not an actual beach but a huge circular grassy patch

Bang for the buck

Johns Hopkins University is worth it if you know what you are doing and have a set goal in mind. If you are willing to work hard for your goal, and you're not intimidated by extreme academic rigor, like research, and are willing to sacrifice fun every now and then. Hopkins is the place for you.

What to do for fun

Fun is what you make it. Most of the fun is usually done over the weekends. There are usually several party spots open. In addition, fun can be obtained through extracurricular activities and sports

The dorm life is okay. It's not as exciting as other colleges, but it makes do. There are several dorms that you can live in from the supposedly social AMR's to Wolman as a freshman. Something to be kept in mind are that juniors and Seniors do not have university housing and therefore have to find apartments near the University.

Academic Rigor

Academic Rigor is off the roof. The University doesn't care about your grades. You are there to learn and not necessarily to get good grades, so therefore there is no grade inflation. On typical days, students are in the library till past midnight and during exam week, its even hard to find a cubicle to study in.

Tips for prospective students

Johns Hopkins is not a place where you come to have fun but o work and succeed in life. Hopkins is not easy and at times life will be depressing as you watch your friends in state schools party and have fun while you're in the library until 3 for weeks on end. However, if you push through you should succeed in whatever it is that you set your mind to.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins University is an esteemed research university where students are pushed and challenged to achieve their potential and then surpass it. It's not a place where students come to have fun but a place where leaders, innovators, researchers, doctors, and engineers are made, broken, and re-forged. An education from Johns Hopkins University is one of the best that you can get from any college in the world.

Katrina from Nampa, ID

05/12/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Hopkins is ranked as one of the safest campuses in the US. Every dorm features 24/7 security, and the Hopkins blue light system provides a way for students to notify security of danger with only the touch of a button. At Hopkins, security is something you will never have to worry about.

Greek Life

Fraternities and sororities are a huge part of student life on campus. Even the the sororities at Hopkins don't live in sorority housing, Greek life is a fun and rewarding experience for hundreds of women at Hopkins. Fraternities, meanwhile, are the center of the majority of the social life on campus. Whether or not you choose to rush, Greek life is definitely something to think about.

Clubs and Activities

There really is something for everyone at this school. From acappella to theater to service organizations, it's easy to get involved in anything that might spark your interest.

Great for these types of students

Hopkins is the perfect place for students who are independent, self-motivated individuals who already know how to apply themselves. Nobody is going to hold your hand at this school, so success here is defined by your ability to stay organized and manage a big workload. If you're looking for easy coursework, this may not be the school for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Lacrosse is by far the biggest athletic tradition on campus, and oddly enough, Hopkins' Homecoming takes place during the spring, rather than during the fall, to celebrate the lacrosse team. Homecoming weekend is filled with a lot of fun that students look forward to all year.

Bang for the buck

Like a lot of colleges, Hopkins is expensive. Don't hesitate to apply for financial aid, though, because you might be surprised. Overall, the opportunities that a Hopkins education provides are worth the investment.

What to do for fun

There is a reason Baltimore is called Charm City--the possibilities that await you here are endless. The Inner Harbor is a popular destination for great shopping and restaurants, and the National Aquarium is a must. The Baltimore Museum of Art is located right next to campus and is a free opportunity that every Hopkins student should take advantage of at least once. There are amazing opportunities on campus too. The most exciting is Spring Fair, an annual Hopkins tradition that brings dozens of food trucks, vendors, and entertainers to Hopkins for a weekend.

Food and Dining

Hopkins offers more or less your typical college food. The Fresh Food Cafe is the go-to place for all-you-can-eat buffet style food, and it's also the place where freshman take most of their meals. Levering Cafe is great for lunch, and Charles Street Market is the perfect place to pick up a quick snack or a few groceries. Variety isn't a problem because there's something on campus for everyone, and the local restaurant scene is phenomenal. The meal plans are quite expensive, however, and you may often feel like you're not eating your money's worth.

Dorm Life

Dorm experiences vary dramatically depending on your particular dorm. Freshmen can choose between suite-style and traditional dorm living in a number of different buildings. Buildings A and B are more quiet but perfect if you prefer to study in your room. The AMR's are considered more social, especially because the traditional communal bathrooms foster a social environment. Wolman and McCoy are the newest freshman dorms with the best facilities, but regardless of where you live freshman year, your dorm experience is what you make of it. Juniors and Seniors live off campus, so be prepared for only one or two years of the traditional dorm experience.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is no doubt challenging, but the opportunities that hard work yields at this school are phenomenal. Hopkins is often mislabeled as cutthroat, mostly because students here are extremely self-motivated and hardworking, but it is very possible for any student to excel here with enough determination. Hopkins is also known for grade deflation, but classes are curved appropriately and graded fairly. Class sizes are generally quite small, which makes professors accessible and willing to meet with students one-on-one. Overall, be prepared to work hard while still enjoying your work.

Tips for prospective students

Located in the heart of Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins is one of the top research universities in the world. Be prepared to work hard and play harder. The key to success at this school is knowing how to apply yourself to the maximum while still allowing time for fun outside the classroom. Get involved--join an acappella group, volunteer with local charity organizations throughout Charm City, or apply for a research job or internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the highest ranked hospital in the US. No matter what you decide to do with your time here, a Hopkins education will yield tremendous career opportunities in the future, regardless of your major.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins University is a gateway to a world of opportunities in nearly every field. Hopkins prides itself on making incredible opportunities accessible to everyone. At Hopkins, students from all over the world engage in groundbreaking research, fantastic athletic and extracurricular opportunities, and innovative and stimulating academia that is both challenging and rewarding in all disciplines.

Hannah from Baltimore, MD

12/28/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Johns Hopkins takes security very seriously considering its location. However, be smart about where you go and how you present yourself, and you'll be fine. We have security officers at regular intervals on the streets, there are blue light emergency systems set up all around and a little outside campus, and all the school living quarters require at least two card swipes to enter into a residency.

Greek Life

Greek life isn't too prevalent in Hopkins if you don't want it to be. The recent scandals involving fraternities seems to have diminished the quality and presence of parties though.

Clubs and Activities

While there are a vast variety of clubs in Hopkins, not all of them are equally active, and it can be a pain to start one on campus due to bureaucracy. However, there are a number of really well-established ones that know what they're doing and are making an impact. There's also a good mix of academic and more fun clubs, and we also have a good array of performing art clubs. Some of the cultural clubs aren't active, though, and can be hard to revive.

Great for these types of students

Students who are organized. I feel like this applies to college students in general- college is all about balancing your academic, social, and personal life. Hopkins can be stressful, and being able to keep organized and on top of things can help reduce a lot of that stress. Major-wise, I'd say our school has great programs for Creative Writing, Biomedical Engineering (most of the engineering majors, actually), Pre-med (who would've guessed), International Studies, and Computer Science. We also have Peabody, so students interested in pursuing music as well might find this a great fit. Also, it's easy to get lost in studies and homework- I'd say students who have a passion and have the initiative to pursue it outside the classroom would be valuable to have.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

For freshmen choosing a dorm, I would definitely suggest the AMRs, especially if you're looking to make friends easily. It's easy to meet people, which can really help your first few months in Hopkins as you settle. The lack of air conditioners doesn't really matter either past the first month of school. Orientation is when the school really tries to make freshmen feel like they belong, so there's lots of great events going on during then. We also have pre-orientation, which can help let you meet people even before school starts. Some events to definitely attend: - The Lighting of the Quad - Spring Fair - Halloween at Fells Point and more that I've probably forgotten, but those are some big-name ones.

Bang for the buck

Someone actually did the calculation- if you're in Hopkins without financial aid, you're spending 100$+ everyday. Including the weekends you sleep in and do nothing all day. So yes, Hopkins is sadly expensive, but they're pretty good about giving out financial aid. The only thing I really dislike is the dining system. Like most colleges, it's overpriced, as you don't actually eat as much as you pay for.

What to do for fun

Explore Baltimore! So many students come in and make the mistake of not getting to know the city they're in. Sure, we're not the most well-known city, or the city with the best reputation, but there's so much that can be gained from exploring and connecting with the community. And don't just limit yourself to the Inner Harbor- places like Hampden, or the areas around Penn Station, are also worth a poke around. And there are plenty of events on campus and organizations that host their own mini-events to entice you out of the library.

Food and Dining

Make no mistake, you will get tired of the same food after a while. But the Fresh Food Cafe has good quality food, and awesome desserts. They could do with more non-starch vegetables though. Nolans leaves a little more to be desired- aside from the salad bar, it doesn't have as many veggies (unless you count fried or mashed potatoes), and the menu only varies weekly.

Dorm Life

Depends- the dorms aren't palaces, but they're fine. Some of the places don't have air conditioners, but are more social. I've realized that it really depends on the people year to year to see how well a floor meshes and bonds. Having strong friends near you really enhances dorm life.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is filled with students who are smart, know how to study, and are efficient about it. Of course, not every student is like that. But certain classes, especially the pre-med and some of the engineering ones, are crazy hard. The curve is the only thing that saves students' grades.

Tips for prospective students

Come in knowing that the work is rigorous, but that if you're expecting perfection for yourself, you're setting yourself up to fail. People are focused on studying, so get out of your comfort zone to make friends and stay connected! Half of college is the experience- don't let it go to waste! Hopkins has a lot of support systems, but while they're readily available, they don't do as good a job as advertising them. It's an atmosphere they're working on, but don't hesitate to ask them for help.

In three sentences

Despite what everyone says, Hopkins isn't the cut-throat competitive shark tank it's described to be. While homework and studying is stressful, most of the competition comes from your own standards for yourself. Students and most teachers are friendly, willing to help, and for the professors that aren't available, TA's will always be available.

Student8

parties, restaurants, and events around baltimore and on campus are definitely common. there's always something to do if you're willing to go out and do it. plus there's always the greek life.

Food and Dining

ffc and nolan's are pretty alright but there's definitely room for improvement. the good thing is that there's plenty of other places to get food, and it's easy to access a kitchen if you're really so inclined. everything is pretty much made fresh, so that's a good thing.

Dorm Life

can be very social and vibrant depending on the dorm you pick. sophomore housing is by far the best though. however, housing is only guaranteed for 2 years.

Academic Rigor

humanities classes aren't too bad but anything that's science and math will be sure to take up your time and dedication. however, it's really easy to find help. plus, people are always willing to work together in study groups and the such

Tips for prospective students

the fun isn't going to come to you, so as long as you look for it, you'll find it!

In three sentences

i love coming here and i've made a lot of friends. there are many opportunities to take advantage of, ones that you wouldn't have if you didn't come here. the campus is beautiful and it's very easy to get the help you need.

Brian from Bel Air, MD

06/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

0 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Keycard access, security cameras and free van transportation until midnight incase your going or coming from a sketchy area or you have a lot of valuables such as your instrument on you. A lot of pan handlers outside the school.

Clubs and Activities

You won't be bored.

Great for these types of students

Outgoing, seeking to learn about music not just make money, doing something you love to do

Bang for the buck

A lot of money just for the school name on your degree : / . No job security unless your recording arts or education major.

What to do for fun

Charm city circulator runs until midnight allowing you to enjoy the inner harbor, federal hill and fells point and not worry about transportation. National aquarium, walters art gallery, camden yards, M&T bank stadium, and tons of historic buildings.

The dorms have no kitchen items but theres a large flat screen TV on every floor. Noisy. You meet a lot of people but it's a horrible experience.

Academic Rigor

Teachers push you really hard especially because your work is never really done when your a musician. If you want to work 100 hours on something no one is going to stop you.

Tips for prospective students

Get scholarships and take general classes at a community college to save money. You might be able to argue you way out of staying in the dorms.

In three sentences

The School is greedy for money. I wish music business and making money was more a part of the curriculum. That being said they pushed me to be a great musician and if I went somewhere else I don't think I'd be as good.

Anonymous Senior

08/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Our grassy quads and brick walkways are as safe as ever. However, the moment you walk a block or two off-campus, you are in grave danger. Security guards drive around in mini SUVs but you never know if security will be there when you need them.

Greek Life

Solid. Go for it.

Clubs and Activities

If it wasn't for activities, I would be very unhappy at Hopkins. Get involved so you have something to take your mind off of academic stress and Baltimore crime.

Great for these types of students

Bookworms, lab researchers, future neurosurgeons.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everyone breaks into the Gilman Hall clock tower before they graduate. Also, the underground tunnel system is terrifying and HOT.

Bang for the buck

This all depends on when you get a job and how much that job will pay you from the start. If you have perfect grades then this school is absolutely worth it. If you are a B student at Hopkins, then you might as well have paid for a public school because your job prospects won't pay for your student loans until 7-10 years down the line.

What to do for fun

Save money for cab fare - the only exciting venues are in midtown and downtown Baltimore. I suppose that attending JHU frat parties was fun freshman year, but after that I got tired of getting beer and puke on my shoes.

Food and Dining

The FFC (freshman cafeteria) is awesome but every other on-campus dining place is mediocre. Save your money and eat off-campus.

Dorm Life

Nice dorms. Nothing special.

Academic Rigor

If you want to be challenged every minute of your collegiate career, then Hopkins is the college for you. This is a grind school.

Tips for prospective students

Have a lot of confidence and speak up in class. Get to know your professors because you will probably need recommendation letters from them later. Study your butt off because like I said before, having Johns Hopkins on your resume is not what gets you a job - a perfect GPA does.

In three sentences

Breathtakingly beautiful campus. Johns Hopkins can get you a high-paying job by graduation if you have a 4.0 GPA, but acquiring a 4.0 GPA is impossible unless you don't have a social life. Good luck.

Yang from Baltimore, MD

09/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Try out for the sports teams. They cultivate a hard work ethic that isn't recruited for money. You play sports at Hopkins because you love it and no one pays you to do it. At a minimum, club sports are just as serious and competitively engaging.

Food and Dining

Fresh food cafe buffet is the place once you begin to understand how abundantly nutritious endless health food is. However, it is advisable that most freshmen learn their lesson about eating their before reaping the benefits of its lean protein and vegetables.

Dorm Life

Mandatory on-campus develops relationships quickly. However, don't get stuck with just your floor.

Academic Rigor

Academia is number one. If it is not your priority than you will not be the school's priority.

Tips for prospective students

Learn to love to learn. The academic rigor develops a personal integrity no amount of state-school experiences can imitate.

In three sentences

Hopkins separates talent from skill. Talent you're born with but skill you must develop. Those who work hard earn a post-college career while those who meander a degree diminish the value of their education.

Johns Hopkins University is one of the most prestigious schools in the country, but it is a very approachable campus with many opportunities. While it is expensive, it offers some of the best education in the country and it is worth the cost. My experiences here have been nothing but positive.

Eliann from Burleson, TX

Try to have a competitive application. Not only will they look for academic success, but make sure you are involved in extracurricular activities. Aim for being a well-rounded student.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins offers rigorous academics, and great opportunities for expanding your horizons. The research opportunities are everywhere. Located in Baltimore, it has some great restaurants and tourist attractions.

Diamond from Lynchburg, VA

There's always events on campus, usually sponsored by the RAB or some other campus group. If not, you can always head into Baltimore or Towson for fun.

Food and Dining

The food in the FFC is okay. It's repetitive, but that's to be expected.

Dorm Life

There's a dorm for everyone. If you want to be uber-social, head to the AMRs. If you want privacy and to be close to everything on campus, apply for the buildings. If you want privacy, your own kitchenette, and don't mind walking a bit to get to class, then try Wolman. There's something for everyone.

Academic Rigor

It lives up to it's reputation, but work hard and you'll do fine in all your classes. There are plenty of opportunities to ask for help.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit! It's definitely best to stay on campus for one of our overnight programs. That's what won me over.

In three sentences

It's not what people expect, it's better. It provides a great education and social atmosphere. There are opportunities galore.

Depends on where you stay and what type of environment you are looking for.

Academic Rigor

Very challenging

Tips for prospective students

Work hard and pursue your passions.

In three sentences

It is a very challenging school filled with a diverse body. There are many course options academically and you get out whatever you put into your college experience. Courseloads are generally challenging.

Naomi from NY

01/11/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is one of the safest in the country. Baltimore gets a bad rep, but I've personally never felt unsafe. In fact, Baltimore residents are pretty friendly toward Hopkins students, and many times a stranger has gone out of his or her way to help me navigate public transportation before I got the hang of it. Just be street smart and you'll be fine.

Greek Life

25% of students participate in Greek Life. It's not a very noticeable presence on campus--people don't shun or idolize you for being or not being a part of Greek Life. Most parties are held by fraternities, but you don't have to join one to enjoy these benefits. It's a personal preference, and people respect that here.

Clubs and Activities

Basically, you can find any club here to suit your interests. If, though unlikely, you can't find a club that suits you, you can create your own!

Great for these types of students

Johns Hopkins does not pigeonhole ideal candidates. Virtually every type of student and personality is found here, so don't waste your energy worrying about being the ideal candidate.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of my favorite experiences during freshman year is the fact that orientation occurs once you arrive, rather than at the beginning of summer. It's a very fun and exciting time, and you won't have to wait another six weeks before seeing the friends you made during orientation.

Bang for the buck

Hopkins is expensive, but worth it. Housing and dining is going to be more expensive than that of your friends at state schools. This can be frustrating, but then you remember that you shook the hand of former presidential candidate Jon Huntsman last week, saw Seth Meyers perform the week before, and suddenly you remember why you're here in the first place. This school is going to open you to people and events and opportunities you will find in few places.

What to do for fun

Oh boy. Let's just say, there's always something to do on weekends, and almost any week night as well. If you're not into the traditional college night life, Hopkins hosts movie nights and speakers each week. Be sure to subscribe to the daily announcements!

Food and Dining

As a freshman, you get to enjoy unlimited dining at the FFC, the main cafeteria on campus. The quality of food varies by meal, but overall is surprisingly decent. Salad, cereal, pizza, sandwich makings and more are available at all hours, in addition to standard meal times. In short, you definitely won't go hungry.

Dorm Life

Certain dorms are known to be more social than others, but there's no way to really predict which is the best dorm to live in. Dorms are composed of people, and some people are more social than others. Regardless, you'll meet cool people in every building.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins is hard, but very manageable. You find yourself in class for less than fifteen hours a week, and the rest of the time is yours. Make sure you time manage well--this means doing your work but also leaving time for play! While most of the classes require hard work, you will learn way more in one semester than you ever did in your year-long high school classes. Also, you aren't forced to take general education requirements. Hopkins believes in distribution requirements to provide a well-rounded education instead. This means most of the students in your classes are there because they want to be, which makes for a much better learning environment. Lastly, there are rumors that Hopkins is competitive and cut-throat. Nope. You will see students helping each other all the time with calculus and Chinese homework, or what-have-you. Please do not be put off by these outdated and false stories.

Tips for prospective students

Your academic record should be good, but Hopkins is a place for diverse and driven students. Make sure you show off the qualities that make you unique. If you're smart but learning isn't one of your passions, Hopkins probably isn't the place for you.

In three sentences

For me, Johns Hopkins is a university with balance. There are so many academic opportunities here, whether its research, internships, clubs, or work in nearby Washington D.C., but there are also so many chances to pursue things that are fun or simply interest you. While located in a city, the campus is stunning and provides a sense of community that you really come to appreciate--especially as you meet students from all over the world whom you have more in common with than you might imagine.

nursing student in baltimore

There are a lot of free events around the city. Walters museum is free. even taking a walk down to the inner harbor can be peaceful.

Food and Dining

Baltimore is really trying to up their dining experience so check out local restaurants - make sure to try attman's deli if you miss the nyc deli experience. also check out food trucks!!

Dorm Life

As a nursing student, there is no official housing, but there are student housing apartments where a lot of students stay. They are a little more expensive that other housing options around the city, but it is walking distance to the nursing/medical campus.

Academic Rigor

As a nursing student, you are being prepared to work as a bedside nurse, so be aware if this is not your interest. Regardless of your interest in terms of medicine or nursing, you will be challenged! Try to prepare for each semester before it starts.

Tips for prospective students

Do not isolate yourself from the community! Get out and meet your neighbors. The more positive you are as a representative of Johns Hopkins, the more the community will appreciate you being there. Network as much as possible! There is amazing faculty and staff members with incredible experience; pick their brain and shadow them if at all possible.

In three sentences

If you are interested in research or public health, come to this university. The best part is the networking opportunities. The worst part is how the university is viewed by the surrounding community.

Courtney from Mount Laurel, NJ

I have never not felt safe at Hopkins. We have very high security measures - there are guards in every building and j-card swipes to access buildings

Greek Life

While you do not have to be in greek life, it makes time at Hopkins pretty enjoyable and a lot more friendlier. All of the frats and sororities are very nice to one another and it is just an option for more friends and social activities.

Great for these types of students

For the students who are organized and who like to learn. Also for those who can party and then get right back into school. We go hard in school so that we can go hard out of it!

Bang for the buck

It is a very expensive college, but obviously worth it. Also, if you come in with a good amount of AP credits, there is a high chance of early graduation due to the no core requirements aspect. I can graduate potentially in three years, but definitely a semester early. For me, this is my college scholarship!

While the food is still school food, there really isn't much to complain about. People do complain, of course, because of the mere fact that it is college food and your mom is no longer cooking for you.

Dorm Life

The dorms are some of the nicest of any schools. As a freshman I live in a suite with a kitchen and private bathroom.

Academic Rigor

This is Johns Hopkins.

Tips for prospective students

Go out! Its a very difficult school and you will most likely lose your mind if you do not let loose after exams or papers.

In three sentences

Johns Hopkins is an academically rigorous school, but the students here do have a very intense social life, most likely due to the rigor of classes. The sports games are fun to attend, and it is enjoyable to be a member of a sports team. While not many people are in sororities, they are also very enjoyable to be a part of. There is a sense of belonging in either sports or frats.

James from Knoxville, TN

Participate if you wish. Do not feel as if there are 'consequences' for engaging in opportunities outside of Greek Life.

Great for these types of students

-Highly driven, motivated students -Mature, fun-loving young adults

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I will let you find out for yourself....

What to do for fun

-Volunteer within inner Baltimore -Travel to the Inner Harbor -Dine at restaurants in Hampden

Tips for prospective students

Study hard and always maintain the end goal in sight. However, take in every ounce of the experience as well.

In three sentences

I have deeply enjoyed my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins University. Not only does it offer rigorous, stimulating education; it also exposes its students to fruitful extracurricular opportunities. Simply put, I cannot envision myself in any other place.

Pre-Med from Baltimore, MD

For a really scary city like Baltimore, campus security is tight and always looking out for the students. I have never felt unsafe on-campus or in the surrounding areas off-campus

Clubs and Activities

Always something for everybody.

Great for these types of students

Those who work hard.

Bang for the buck

It's expensive, but you get a lot out of the experience at the same time.

What to do for fun

Visited Inner Harbor and sea the water and the shopping malls and great restaurants. Go to Fellespoint or Hampden and see the cute indie towns. Eat at all the local restaurants.

Food and Dining

Great food that's available into late hours of the night.

Dorm Life

This depends mainly on where you get placed. But for the most part, there is no bad place to live on campus as a freshman or sophomore.

Academic Rigor

It's difficult -- I won't even sugarcoat it! You work hard for what you deserve!

Tips for prospective students

Really, Hopkins is for you if you're into natural sciences, humanities, or engineering. These programs are top-notch, with extremely supportive faculty . Also, we're associated with *the* Johns Hopkins Medical School, so there are so many research and internship opportunities here.

In three sentences

In short, Johns Hopkins is a work-hard-play-hard type of school. You work hard for the best grades, and there are very few Easy A courses -- but it's intellectual stimulating, and you're surrounded by the smartest of peers. At the same time, you can always have a great time with the night life, the surrounding city life, and alllllllll the great eats within walking distance!

Christie Okoye

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

The food is great. There are also many restaurants and coffee shops around. Since the university is located in Baltimore, there's a variety of seafood and food options.

Dorm Life

I chose the Wolman housing and it is incredible. It has its own kitchenette and bathroom. It has a balance of peace for studying and noise from social events.

Academic Rigor

Johns Hopkins is known for its academic rigor. Courses are hard but the professors are willing to work with you for you to achieve your very best. There are also study groups and other clubs that help students who are struggling.

Tips for prospective students

Find what you're passionate about and pursue it. There are so many opportunities such as internships that people can be apart of. Connect with your roommate.

In three sentences

It is a beautiful school with friendly students and staff. The dorms are nice and have great facilities. This university also has many activities and clubs that will make any student thrive successfully there.

There are clubs for practically everything on campus, and if there isn't one devoted to your interest, it's fairly easy to start one. Visit the Activities Fair (which happens once every semester) and don't be afraid to sign up for everything that catches your eye. After attending a few meetings, you'll be able to figure out which clubs you really want to be part of. Pay attention to Announcements Box on your JHU Profile too - you might discover an organization that speaks to you.

Great for these types of students

Passionate, hard-working and ready to dive into anything.

Bang for the buck

Hopkins is expensive but financial aid can be surprisingly accommodating.

What to do for fun

The Hopkins Organization for Programming (the HOP) hosts movies almost every Friday of the semester. All the performing arts groups have annual showcases, at the very least. The Baltimore Museum of Art is practically on campus and is a great way to spend an afternoon. There is no dearth of restaurants near campus, from One World Cafe (very vegan friendly) to Chipotle. Insomnia Cookies should also be setting up very soon. The shuttle service makes most of Baltimore very accessible, and nearby neighborhoods like Hampden are easily reachable by foot.

Food and Dining

Freshmen generally eat at the Fresh Food Cafe, referred to as the FFC. It is a standard buffet-style college cafeteria with usually delectable desserts. The Levering Food Court offers more appetizing options but is only open for lunch. Charles Street Market, or CharMar, is a good place to pick up late-night snacks but unless you're spending Dining Dollars (meal plan currency), it isn't really worth it. Sophomores usually eat at Nolan's, located in Charles Commons.

Dorm Life

The dorm experience will be unique to whichever dorm you end up in - the AMRs, the Buildings and Wolman are the choices freshman have. The AMRs are considered the most social dorms while the Buildings are the quietest. The Buildings and Wolman are suite-style while the AMRs are traditional dorms with communal bathrooms. Housing is provided by the University for freshman and sophomores but juniors and seniors must find their own living space off-campus.

Academic Rigor

Hopkins has extremely high standards for its students but offers plenty of academic resources to take advantage of, like the Learning Den and the PILOT Program. Professors are easily accessible and students usually help each other out. Be prepared to work hard for a good grade and spend a fair amount of time outside of lectures reviewing the material.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work hard but don't forget to explore campus and the city of Baltimore.

Anonymous

07/12/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Baltimore is not considered the safest place, but we do have a great campus security system. There are people watching over us at all times, and as long as you aren't stupid, you'll be fine. I've felt safe walking alone on campus at 3 or 4 in the morning.

Clubs and Activities

There is a great variety of things to do, from community service to sports. The intramurals are great and can be very competitive. Because of the location, Hopkins does a lot of service with the schools around it. For example, I help mentor, not just academically, a high school student from one of the surrounding high school. There is something for everyone.

What to do for fun

You can always go into Baltimore for fun and relaxation on the weekend (Inner Harbor, Mount Vernon, Fells Point). There is also the Towson Town Center (an OK-mall, coming from King of Prussia Mall, it's not thaaat great). There's intramurals for you to relax and pick up soccer games all the time. Finally, there are parties for those who enjoy them.

Food and Dining

At first, the idea of an unlimited meal plan intrigued me. Unfortunately, I started growing tired of the food at FFC (the cafeteria). I don't think the food was bad; everyone was just expecting more of the food. Sure, there's other places to eat, but you have pay for those (outside of the meal plan money). On St. Paul, there's a lot of places to grab food (Subway, Chipotle, Uni Mini, etc.).

Dorm Life

The dorm I lived in this past year (Wolman) is considered a less social dorm than the AMRs. However, my floor became a tight-knit bunch and I made friends that I would not have made otherwise. Having a common room was great as it was place to do homework, watch movies, and just hang out.

Academic Rigor

Good grades may be tough for some people to achieve, but personally, I have not had any problems yet. All that is needed is good time-management skills and a good support team. Professors are very willing to help you learn the subject matter better and other students are always there to help. As long as you study hard, you can still do fine.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you have a well-balanced application. Additionally, you want to sure true interest in the school. Schools can tell if you would really like to go there or not and they will accept students accordingly.

In three sentences

Although Johns Hopkins has a reputation for being an ultra-competitive institution, this does not mean the people there want to sabotage you grades in order to better their own. People are always willing to help you understand the subject matter better and to make your time at Hopkins a good time. Hopkins may be tough academically, but the students there still know how to have a fun time.

Peyton from Norwich, CT

12/02/2014

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

Honestly the most beautiful campus I've ever visited (and I've visited many!). The people there were no nice and helpful, and the level of academic rigor is clear. One of the most important things I noticed was the safety of the campus, very impressive!

Joseph from GROVETOWN, GA

They have tight security on campus so that there is no need for insecurity. Cops roam about campus and there are many emergency poles around any part of campus.

Clubs and Activities

They have many clubs and activities. Although I don't have a list of them or know any personally, I know that the college is open to create many new colleges.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Beach, the Glass-Sided Science Hall, and MORE!

Food and Dining

They have some great Korean diners nearby. Besides that, they also have cafes (I can't add the apostrophe to the e) near all of the places students are most likely to study.

Dorm Life

Their dorms are relatively close to the campus. What is good about the dorm life is that the college then helps you move onto out of campus living (or so I've been told). Why I'm not giving them a five is because they don't have the luxury that a residential college has. (sorry, but it's a logical case)

Academic Rigor

The classes you can take are flexible towards your overall major. This is why JHU is my number one choice!

Tips for prospective students

Don't try to cater to the college; find your inner identity and work hard to unlock your gifts and talents! (The truth will set you free ;))

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